Brass band players to feature in Netflix's House of Guinness

The band announced that they are going to “be on the telly” via Facebook post.

It read: “After keeping this under wraps for what feels like forever, we’re thrilled to finally share some exciting news…

“Netflix came calling – and our very own brass players stepped in front of the cameras!

Accompanying the post were pictures of the two members, cornet player Craig Lees and E flat bass player Andrew Hudson, on set and dressed in burgundy, double breasted band uniforms.

House of Guinness is one of the most highly anticipated Netflix releases of the year. From the makers of Peaky Blinders, the Dublin-set series follows the lives of the Guinness family in the mid-19th century.

Last year, film crews for the show were spotted around the North West, including Manchester city centre’s Northern Quarter.

The band’s musical director and conductor James Garlick told The Oldham Times that the opportunity came about after he was approached by a friend who works as a fixer for brass band extras.

He said that Netflix were very “strict” about their requirements for the players, specifying the age, hair and even jacket size.

The two lucky members spent a couple of days filming for their scene in Manchester and Liverpool.

Mr Garlick said that they do not know in which episode the players will feature or how much screen time they will have.

He added: “Who knows, they could be on there for a good few seconds or it could be one of those things, they could be on there fleetingly.

“But it's still just as exciting for Uppermill Band to have an opportunity like that, to work for Netflix. It's amazing.”

He added: “It's a fantastic experience for band and players, but it's also a possible leap – you might get asked again in the future and who knows where that could go.”

(Image: Uppermill Brass Band)

The professional trombone player explained that the Netflix gig is just the latest in a string of exciting opportunities for the band.

Uppermill Brass Band are now the official brass section for tribute band Oasis Supernova, having recently played Kendal Calling and Fields of Gold festivals.

They have also started working with a music agency playing weddings and pop sets.

Mr Garlick said: “It's like a snowball effect – all the varied things that we do that normal brass bands in Saddleworth just do not do compared to Uppermill.

“It just opens doors for other opportunities of playing that no other band in Saddleworth does.”

One of the bands upcoming events to look out for is a screening of The Snowman at The Vale in Mossley, where they will be playing the live music accompaniment.

The event will take place on December 13. Tickets are available to purchase now via Ticketsource. More details can be found on the Uppermill Brass Band Facebook page.

House of Guinness will be landing on Netflix on September 25.